Underdeveloped embryos in dwarf seeds and implications for assignment to dormancy class

Carol C. Baskin, Jerry M. Baskin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine if small embryos (i.e. low embryo length:seed length ratio) in mature dwarf seeds (0.2-2 mm) are underdeveloped. In this case, they would grow (inside the seed) prior to germination, and seeds would have morphological or morphophysiological dormancy. Prior to radicle emergence, embryo length in seeds of Drosera anglica (Droseraceae), Campanula americana, Lobelia appendiculata, L. spicata (Campanulaceae) and Sabatia angularis (Gentianaceae) increased 0, 103, 182, 83 and 57%, respectively. Since embryo growth did not occur in seeds of D. anglica prior to germination, embryos, although small, are fully developed; seeds have only physiological dormancy. The underdeveloped embryo in seeds of C. americana has little or no physiological dormancy; thus, seeds have morphological dormancy. On the other hand, underdeveloped embryos in seeds of L. appendiculata, L. spicata and S. angularis are physiologically dormant, and seeds have morphophysiological dormancy. Therefore, since small embryos in dwarf seeds may or may not be underdeveloped, assignment of seeds to a dormancy class requires that studies be done to determine if embryos grow inside the seed before germination can occur. Such information is important in understanding the evolutionary relationship of the different kinds of seed dormancy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)357-360
Number of pages4
JournalSeed Science Research
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005

Keywords

  • Campanula americana
  • Drosera anglica
  • Evolution of seed dormancy
  • Lobelia appendiculata
  • Lobelia spicata
  • Morphophysiological dormancy
  • Sabatia angularis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Plant Science

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